101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider

Starred review from August 1, 2014

In 2013, the Western Dressage Association became an affiliate organization with its own chapter in the U.S. Equestrian Foundation rule book. Ballou (101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider) has not only been endorsed by the U.S. Dressage Federation but also has trained horses and competed in the sport. Boyles is the founder of unbridledrider.com and a producer of smartphone apps for riders. The authors explain how western dressage is both like and unlike classical dressage (both improve the balance, cadence, and carriage of a horse) and provide 101 exercises that are accompanied by descriptions as to why they are useful and how to execute them. There are also unmounted exercises. While many books are available on dressage theory, the lessons in this offering are much more useful than others for actually riding. VERDICT A must for those who want to ride western dressage.--Patsy Gray, formerly with Huntsville P.L., AL

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